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Consumer Credit Bill

My Lords, in responding from the Liberal Democrat Benches, I want to say, first, how much I welcome the tradition set by the Minister during his time in office and the fact that a harmonious debate on these matters has been fulfilled once more. In welcoming the maiden speech of the noble Lord, Lord Mawhinney, perhaps I may say how much I agreed with the remarks of the noble Lord, Lord Borrie. How good it is to see a former senior Minister playing a key role in the important deliberations of this House—would that more of his former colleagues on all sides of the House would do the same. I also welcome him today to the rather exclusive club of Members of your Lordships’ House who, at times, have held responsibility for the electoral fortunes of their party. I welcome him to the club of which, in this debate, he and I share the privilege of being the only two.